Killerton joins esteemed garden trainee programme
The National Trust garden at Killerton, near Exeter, has been chosen as one of only ten gardens nationwide to host a prestigious two year trainee programme.
As the only garden in the south west taking part in the Historic and Botanic Garden Trainee Programme (HBGTP), Killerton will host a trainee gardener for two years from September 2017.
Karl Emeleus, Killerton’s Head Gardener, said: “We have a long history of taking trainees here at Killerton. The garden’s unique setting and unusual style make it a great place to work and learn. The team here believes that passing on skills is a fundamental part of any gardener’s role in maintaining and creating outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. Previous trainees have gone on to find employment in different areas of horticulture and one is now Senior Gardener here.
“I believe we offer a broad spectrum of skills within our team that will set up any trainee well for a promising career in horticulture. If your idea of heaven is training in an historic English garden with a diverse plant collection, then you could be the person we are looking for .”
Killerton’s garden is in the Picturesque style - with minimal influence from other more formal, symmetrical designs - giving it a unique character. It remains a playground for plant lovers and is home to a nationally important woody plant collection. It is one of many well-loved and historically important gardens cared for by the National Trust.
Today, National Trust gardeners strive to keep the spirit of the garden alive in the way they manage, develop and present the garden and its plant collection. The traineeship has come at an interesting time as the team at Killerton is about to undertake some significant conservation work to restore areas of the garden to their former glory.
The HBGTP programme represents a truly exceptional opportunity for committed and enthusiastic horticulturists to progress their careers. By working alongside the professional teams within exceptional British gardens, trainees build a solid technical knowledge and acquire high-level practical skills. The HBGTP places talented gardeners to learn from the best in the business, including the National Trust, Royal Horticultural Society and English Heritage. The programme is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and successful trainees will gain valuable first-hand experience and complete an RHS Level 3 Diploma.
If you are interested in this rare opportunity then you have until 1 April 2017 to apply. You can find out more information online at http://hbgtp.org.uk/
Killerton website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton
